Justin Houston Biography Facts, Childhood, Net Worth, Life

Justin Houston Biography Facts, Childhood, Net Worth, Life
Justin Houston #99 in action for the Indianapolis Colts in 2020.

Justin Houston is an American professional footballer who plays as a defensive end in the National Football League (NFL) for the Indianapolis Colts. A player with a sturdy and intimidating figure, Houston is one of the top defensive ends in the league. His antics on the pitch has earned him plaudits as well as several honours, such as being named to the Pro Bowl on four different occasions. In this Justin Houston biography facts, childhood, net worth and personal life, we review and highlight, in informative terms, notable details in the profile and life of one of NFL’s finest players.

Justin Houston Biography Facts, Age, Wife, Family, Nickname

  • Full Name: Justin Donovan Houston
  • Nickname: Fiddy Sack
  • Date of Birth: January 21, 1989
  • Age: 35 years old
  • Place of Birth: Statesboro, Georgia
  • Nationality: American
  • Height: 1.91 m (6 ft 3 in)
  • Weight: 122 kg (270lbs)
  • Education: Statesboro High School, University of Georgia
  • Father: N/A
  • Mother: Kimberly Houston
  • Siblings: Jared Houston (twin brother), Tylen Houston, Aaron Houston
  • Marital Status: Married
  • Wife: Johnisha Garner (2018)
  • Net Worth: $30 million
  • Occupation: American Football Player
  • League: NFL
  • NFL Draft: 2011 (Round 3; Pick 70) by the Kansas City Chiefs
  • Current Team: Indianapolis Colts
  • Playing Position: Defensive end
  • Jersey Number: #99
  • Zodiac Sign: Aquarius

Justin Houston Childhood Story & Early Life 

Houston was born on 21st January 1989 in Georgia and was raised by his mother, Kimberly Houston, with the assistance of his grandmother, named Linda Houston. Houston’s father was not involved in his life as a child, as it appears he left his mother, to cater for 11 Children.

Growing up in Georgia, Houston’s home was razed by fire, and an agile Houston swung into action and rescued his two younger brothers. Though he lived with 10 siblings, young Houston played American football. It is unclear how he got introduced to the sport.

Justin Houston High School Career

At Statesboro High School, Houston was a key member of the school’s football team. He participated in the state championship from 2003–2005. During those years, Houston did not win the championship, but in 2005, he was a notable member of his team as they went on to claim the state championship. By the time he was done with high school, ranking website, Rivals.com, rated him as a four-star recruit.

Justin Houston College Career & Highlight 

Houston went on to attend the University of Georgia where he continued to play football. The highlight of his college football career was during his sophomore and junior years. In his second year in college, Houston registered 7.5 sacks and thus received second-team all-Southeastern Conference (SEC). In his junior year, he topped the SEC linebackers in sacks with 10 sacks and received All-American and first-team all-SEC honours. 

Justin Houston Professional/NFL Career, Teams, Highlights, Awards

Kansas City Chiefs (2011–2019)

With just his senior year of college standing between Houston and a college degree, he made the decision to enlist in the 2011 NFL Draft, thus forgoing his senior year. He went on to the NFL Combine, where he was involved in various drills. In April 2011, it was revealed that he failed a marijuana drug test. He also was involved in various pre-draft visits with various teams, such as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, San Francisco 49ers, the Seattle Seahawks and many more. He was projected to be a second-round draft, after his failed drug test. Prior to the drug test, he was tipped to be a late first-round pick. Sports Illustrated ranked him fourth in the top linebackers in the draft, while DraftScout.com rated him fifth. 

He was eventually picked by the Kansas City Chief in the third round as its 70th overall pick. He penned a four-year deal with the Chiefs valued at $2.78 million. Ahead of the new season, he had to compete with established linebackers for the starting spot. He was thus named backup outside linebacker. He debuted in the NFL in the Kansas City Chiefs season opener game against the Buffalo Bills. In September 2011, he earned the starting outside linebacker spot. He continued in good form throughout his rookie season and at the end of the season, he had 56 combined tackles and 5.5 sacks. For being the Kansas City Chiefs best rookie, he was awarded the Mack Lee Hill Award.

In January 2012, following the arrival of a new coach, he was made one of the starting outside linebackers. He continued in top form in his second season in the NFL. He was thus named to the Pro Bowl for the first time in his career. He did not play in the Pro Bowl due to injury. In May 2013, he was ranked 49th in the Top 100 NFL Players of 2013. In January 2013, the chiefs got a new head coach, who selected Houston as one of the starting outside linebackers. He continued playing well throughout the season and was named to the 2014 Pro Bowl. At the conclusion of the 2013 regular season, Houston had 11 sacks and 44 combined tackles.

Following the chiefs second-place finish in the American Football Conference, he went on to play in his first playoff game in an AFC Wildcard Loss to the Indianapolis Colts. In the 2014 season, Houston was named as a starting outside linebacker and continued in top form. In December 2014, he was named to the 2015 Pro Bowl. At the conclusion of the 2014 season, Houston who started in all 16 matches had 66 combined tackles, the highest in his career and 22 sacks. After they placed a $13.195 million non-exclusive franchise tag on Houston, which gave him the liberty to negotiate with other NFL team, the Kansas City Chiefs signed Houston on a six-year-long deal valued at $101 million, with $52.5 million guaranteed.

Photo of Kansas City Chiefs' Justin Houston
Justin Houston #50 in action for the Kansas City Chiefs in 2016. (Image credit: USATSI)

After playing in 11 games, he sustained a knee injury, which ruled him out of play for the remainder of the regular season. He went on to secure his fourth successive Pro Bowl selection.  He was ranked the 26th player in the Top 100 NFL Players of 2016. Houston’s injury woes entered into the 2016 season, and that prevented him from making an early start in the season. He eventually came into action in the 11th Week of the regular season. After just playing 5 games, Houston registered  4 sacks and 21 tackles. He was then ranked 76th in the Top 100 Players of the 2016 season.

In the 2017 season, Houston played in 15 games, a considerable improvement from the previous season, and had 59 combined tackles and 9.5 sacks. His 2018 season, was similarly great, as he recorded 37 combined tackles and 9 sacks. In March 2019, it was announced that the Kansas City Chiefs will let go of Houston after failing to trade him.

Indianapolis Colts (2019–date)

Photo of Indianapolis Colts' Justin Houston
Justin Houston #99 in action for the Indianapolis Colts in 2019. (Image credit: Jay Biggerstaff / USA Today Sports)

In March 2019, Houston signed a two-year contract worth $24 million with the Indianapolis Colts. He debuted for the Colts in a season opener game against the Los Angeles Chargers. He had a good season and in Week 5, he received the AFC Defensive Player of the Week honour. In the 2019 season, Houston played in 16 regular-season games and recorded 44 combined tackles and 11.0 sacks.

Justin Houston Net Worth, Salary & Endorsement

Justin Houston’s net worth is estimated to be valued at $30 million. As at 2019, his annual salary was valued at $28 million. He has an endorsement deal with the top sports brand, Nike.

Justin Houston Personal Life 

Justin Houston is married to Jonisha Garner, who works as a lawyer. The couple exchanged vows in a courthouse ceremony in 2014. The next year, he got engaged to her and they had a wedding in 2018 with their family and close friends in attendance. Houston is a father of two children.

Houston has 10 siblings, which includes his twin brother, Jared Houston.

SEE MORE: Biography facts and profile of famous American Football/NFL players


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